Stressed at School, Supported at Home: Unpacking the Drivers of Teen Psychosomatic Health

Backgroud

Improving adolescent mental health is a major public health priority, as many young people experience psychological distress that remains undiagnosed. Non-specific symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, and psychosomatic complaints are common and may signal emerging mental health difficulties. These complaints often co-occur and can negatively affect daily functioning and well-being.

Material and Methods

This study analyzed data from 5,382 Polish students aged 11–17 years participating in the 2021/2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey. Psychosomatic complaints were measured using the HBSC Symptom Checklist, covering both somatic and psychological symptoms. Linear regression and path analysis were used to identify direct and indirect predictors.

Results

Results showed that symptom levels increased up to age 15 and then stabilized (mean SCL = 12.36, SD = 8.33). Girls reported higher levels of complaints than boys (14.69 vs. 9.24; p < 0.001), especially psychological ones. School-related stress emerged as the strongest risk factor (β = 0.257), while family support was the main protective factor (β = -0.211). The model explained 42% of variance (R²=0.42; RMSEA=0.020). Exposure to violence (β = 0.121), substance use (β = 0.082), and age (β = 0.070; p < 0.001) were also significant predictors. Family support significantly reduced symptom severity. Self-efficacy also played an important role. Teacher and peer support influenced complaints mainly indirectly, by reducing stress and strengthening personal resources.

Conclusions and practical implications

Overall, the findings confirm that psychosomatic complaints are shaped by multiple interacting individual and social factors. Preventive efforts should focus on reducing school stress, strengthening family and teacher support, addressing peer violence, and improving access to school-based mental health services, especially in early adolescence.

Key messages

• School-related stress is the strongest predictor of psychosomatic complaints, while strong family support provides the main direct protective effect on adolescent mental health and overall well-being.

• School climate, violence exposure, and self-efficacy shape complaints via direct and indirect pathways; prevention should reduce stress, address bullying, and strengthen coping and support.